Leeward, Turks and Caicos Guide

The beautiful islands of Turks and Caicos, located in the Caribbean Sea southeast of the Bahamas, have a rich and interesting history that spans centuries. The earliest inhabitants of the islands were the Lucayan people, a peaceful tribe of Arawak Indians. They lived off the land and sea, fishing, hunting, and farming cassava, a starchy root vegetable.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the islands during his voyage to the New World. He named the islands “Las Tortugas” after the many sea turtles he encountered. The islands remained relatively untouched by European explorers until the 17th century when the Spanish, French, and British began to establish settlements on the islands.

In the early 1700s, the British began to develop the islands for cotton and salt production. They also brought African slaves to work on the plantations. The islands became known as the “Salt Islands” due to the large salt ponds that were used to harvest salt, an important commodity at the time.

In the late 1700s, the French established a colony on the islands, but it was short-lived as the British regained control in 1799. The islands remained under British rule until the early 1800s when they were annexed by Jamaica. During this time, the islands’ economy shifted from salt production to agriculture, with cotton and sisal becoming major crops.

In the mid-1800s, the islands’ population grew as refugees from the Haitian Revolution and shipwrecked sailors from around the Caribbean sought refuge on the islands. In 1873, Turks and Caicos officially became a separate colony from Jamaica, and the islands began to develop their own identity and culture.

In the early 1900s, the islands faced economic struggles as the sisal industry declined. It was not until the 1960s that tourism began to emerge as a major industry, and the islands saw a surge in development and infrastructure. In 1973, Turks and Caicos became a separate British Overseas Territory, with its own government and constitution.

In recent years, the islands have become a popular destination for travelers seeking turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a laid-back island vibe. The islands’ economy is now primarily driven by tourism, with luxury resorts, water sports, and eco-tourism activities attracting visitors from around the world.

Today, Turks and Caicos remains a British Overseas Territory, but the islands are largely self-governing. The islands’ rich history and cultural diversity can still be seen in the architecture, cuisine, and traditions of its people. From its early days as a home to the Lucayan people, to its current status as a popular tourist destination, Turks and Caicos has a unique and fascinating past that continues to shape its present and future.